Local musicians will join voices for Messiah Sing

Published: Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 9, 2012 at 2:41 p.m.

Vocalists from around the area will assemble at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Nov. 25, for the Eighth Annual Messiah Sing, sponsored by Henderson County Churches Uniting.

Participants will gather at 2 p.m. for instructions, and the reading of Handel's "Messiah" will start at 3 p.m. and end by 4 p.m. Singers will be accompanied by a 45-piece orchestra.

According to conductor Robert Hudson, a tradition has been established of performing Handel's inspiring composition without rehearsals to challenge the musicians' skill and memory of past performances. Many cities across the United States have annual Messiah sings.

From its first year in Hendersonville to the present, 11 of the oratorio's prominent choruses have been performed, plus one solo section, "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," which follows an alto solo. Last year, an additional solo was added, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," which featured Bryant Belin, baritone, and trumpeter Peter Voisin.

The "Messiah" was composed in 1741 in only 24 days, and it was first performed in Dublin under Handel's direction.

At a performance attended by King George of England, the king was so moved by the "Hallelujah Chorus" that he stood up, followed by the entire audience. Tradition has it that since that time, the audience stands each time the "Hallelujah Chorus" is performed.

With that in mind, Hudson says, the Hendersonville Messiah Sing will end with the "Hallelujah Chorus," thereby assuring a standing ovation for the participants.

Those interested in singing must provide their own music and paper clips and be in their seats for instructions at 2 p.m., Hudson says.

The best seats for the audience are in the choir loft, as the participants will fill the sanctuary.

Dress will be casual, and no admission is charged. However, donations collected at the performance will be given to Interfaith Assistance Ministry to help the needy.

<p>Vocalists from around the area will assemble at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Nov. 25, for the Eighth Annual Messiah Sing, sponsored by Henderson County Churches Uniting.</p><p>Participants will gather at 2 p.m. for instructions, and the reading of Handel's "Messiah" will start at 3 p.m. and end by 4 p.m. Singers will be accompanied by a 45-piece orchestra.</p><p>According to conductor Robert Hudson, a tradition has been established of performing Handel's inspiring composition without rehearsals to challenge the musicians' skill and memory of past performances. Many cities across the United States have annual Messiah sings.</p><p>From its first year in Hendersonville to the present, 11 of the oratorio's prominent choruses have been performed, plus one solo section, "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," which follows an alto solo. Last year, an additional solo was added, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," which featured Bryant Belin, baritone, and trumpeter Peter Voisin.</p><p>This year, the presentation will add "He Shall Feed His Flock," featuring Judy Meinzer, alto, and "Come Unto Him," featuring Carolyn Grimes Sherwood, soprano.</p><p>The "Messiah" was composed in 1741 in only 24 days, and it was first performed in Dublin under Handel's direction.</p><p>At a performance attended by King George of England, the king was so moved by the "Hallelujah Chorus" that he stood up, followed by the entire audience. Tradition has it that since that time, the audience stands each time the "Hallelujah Chorus" is performed.</p><p>With that in mind, Hudson says, the Hendersonville Messiah Sing will end with the "Hallelujah Chorus," thereby assuring a standing ovation for the participants.</p><p>Those interested in singing must provide their own music and paper clips and be in their seats for instructions at 2 p.m., Hudson says.</p><p>The best seats for the audience are in the choir loft, as the participants will fill the sanctuary.</p><p>Dress will be casual, and no admission is charged. However, donations collected at the performance will be given to Interfaith Assistance Ministry to help the needy.</p><p>Trinity Presbyterian Church is at 900 Blythe St.</p><p>For more information, call 693-3081.</p>